This first compilation is what the ‘Christian punk scene’ has needed for quite a while…actually, we’ve needed this since the beginning! What I love about the Thumper Punk label is that they represent all the different facets of the punk rock sound. There are all the tired arguments of what is and isn’t punk; fortunately these guys cover their bases with it all and bring you the best from the underground. This release is the first of two and all money raised from the sales of these comps goes to support missionary work from inside the punk community. The first compilation is all what I would consider the harder, edgier, white heat sounds of punk rock, and disc two offers this up as well as some more experimental sounds that also are incorporated in punk rock, although not the heaviest and rawest tracks associated within the expansive genre. (expansive and undefined) To choose standout tracks is hard because I like all of them, but here goes…
I really like the label giving the nod to bands and players that have been in and around for some time. Dogwood’s “Homeland Insecurity” was so much fun to hear. I bought their first album More Than Conquerors years and years ago and hearing them again brought back a flood of great memories. Government Hate Mail is comprised of former members of The Clergy, Crux and Empty Tomb. The Altar Billies is Mike Stand from the Altar Boys, Chuck Cummings from Aunt Bettys (and a gazillion other awesome bands) and Johnny X on standup bass. Lust Control is on here too, you know who Doug Van Pelt is; did you know Lust Control also originally had Paul Q-Pek from One Bad Pig? Doug’s HM Magazine and Heaven’s Metal Fanzine are a staple to the metal scene, and his contributions are formative in the music world. Another band that has been around for some time is Flatfoot 56. These guys have been bringing it for over a decade now, and what I love about them is the Celtic infused music in the same vein as Dropkick Murphys. Craig’s Brother is another notable mention from the “old” guard, and one of the better acts that Tooth ‘n Nail put out years back when I scooped up everything they released. The Deal is hands down one of my favorite bands and they rank up there with Scaterd Few as far as bringing original music to the Christian scene, plus they were at one time signed to Facedown Records. Grave Robber is also on here and will probably be recognized by a bunch of people although I’ve never been a big fan…their music is good, but I don’t like the “christianing up” of the horror punk genre if that makes any sense; that would be my hang up and not the bands problem.
Some of my favorite songs by bands that are new to me include the start off sing along sounds of The Old Timers, the stripped down and rough sounds of The Lonely Revolts, the groove oriented Grace & Thieves and the thrash inspired Unshackled. There is so much here that I really enjoy…Gorilla Warfare is another great throaty, heavy sound that I want to hear more of! The rockabilly rumblings of 100 Philistine Foreskins is fun, and the band Empty Tomb makes me want to kick a door down. Perhaps my favorite find on comp two was the track
“Blood, Sweat and Circle Pits” by Desiring Dead Flesh. These guys capture the raw intensity of a live show in 1minute and 8 seconds and remind me of the harder tracks by bands like The Descendents and Dead Milkmen.
This label is the real deal. They bring good music with a positive message, music that represents a subculture that is ever evolving and changing, but these bands stay true to the DIY ethics and the call for personal and social change. If you like bands like The Pogues, Social Distortion, L.E.S Stitches, Dead Boys, Dead Kennedys, Leatherface and Bad Brains; if you miss the sounds of Agnostic Front, The Misfits, NOFX and Bad Religion as well as the messages in music by Minor Threat, Snapcase and No Innocent Victim, this is a great place to start! Also, click on their Facebook link and give them a “like”. Labels like this need to get as much exposure as they can, they are a dying breed and we must support them!
[2012 Thumper Punk Records | Purchase: thumperpunkrecords.com]
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